“In our thousands in our millions we are all Palestinians”

“The Quds Day is a universal day. It is not an exclusive day for Quds itself. It is a day for the oppressed to rise and stand up against the arrogant.”

Al-Quds day demonstrations have been going on for decades, it is the oldest annual international protest in support of Palestine and is held in the month of Ramadan.

This year there were hundreds of people gathered in London a mix of British Muslims, anti-Zionist Jews, anti-war activists and many more. The demonstrators gathered outside the BBC Radio theatre in Portland place and proceeded with their peaceful march through London ending in Trafalgar square.

Demonstrators carried placards such as “Zionism is terrorism”, “end the occupation” silence is complicity” and boycott Israel flags and stickers to name but just a few. With the march echoing chants such as “We are all Palestinians”, “free Palestine” & “Judaism is okay, Zionism no way” the march proceeded down the streets of London. Demonstrators stopped named and shamed shops, chants of “Shame on you starbucks” in front of starbucks for supporting Israel as well as “shame on you MacDonald’s” and Marks & Spencers – to raise awareness of companies that are doing trade with Israel who is using what is from the illegal settlements.

As the demonstrators reached Trafalgar square they gathered to hear one of many speakers like Lauren Booth who spoke about how neighbouring countries should help more saying “..And we say here today to you Israel, we see your crimes and we loathe your crimes. And to us your nation does not exist, because it is a criminal injustice against humanity. We want to see Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt go to the borders and stop this now. Liberate Al Quds! March to Al Quds!” Also the likes of rabbi Ahron cohen with the fine words of “Not all Jews are Zionist” and “Zionism is only a hundred years old and Judaism is thousands of years old”. With a large turnout and beautiful weather the demonstrations were a success.

Although there was a brief disruption from the EDL (English defence league) there was only a handful present; and they were moved along swiftly by the police and caused no trouble.